Every Friday, we will be releasing a Patriots mailbag, so if you have any questions on all things Patriots and the NFL, feel free to ask. You can tweet @sophieewellerr or reply to the weekly mailbag post on the New England Patriot Fan's Facebook page.

Let's get into your questions in this mailbag.

Sam Beatty 

With two of the top defensive players out, a struggling quarterback, and the team losing winnable games, what is the most optimistic opinion you have regarding the Patriots season so far?

I think the offensive line is the main issue with the Patriots at the moment. That is solely because they can't get the run game going because of that and Mac Jones is given limited time in the pocket. I will admit that Jones made some bad decisions in the loss to the Cowboys, but that being said if they can get the run game going, it's an entirely different offense for New England. 

Steve Gargan 

I just saw that the Patriots traded for J.C. Jackson today from the Los Angeles Chargers. I suspect this move has to do with injuries that are starting to pile up. 

Do you think he will play this Sunday and how big of an impact will he have?

J.C. Jackson was out at practice on Thursday, and Lawrence Guy seemed to allude that the cornerback would be on track to play on Sunday. He's been in this system before, and while it's a little different, the team will need him to match up against the Saints top receivers.

Chris Beavers

Why is Malik Cunningham not in the conversation? 

To be honest, I have the same question. Cunningham showed serious potential during the preseason, but since then they have put him on the bench. While Jones is a decent quarterback, I don't know if he is the future solution for New England and by no means am I saying Cunningham is, but when someone is compared to Lamar Jackson, they should get a chance to shine. 

However right now, he's sitting on the practice squad. 

Cody Guwop Taylor

Why is Mac Jones still the starting QB? 

They don't have another option. I know everyone is scared by the Cowboys performance, but that was an uncharacteristically poor performance. His internal clock is sped up and his playmakers are not helping him. None of the receivers can win against man coverage and the Patriots have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. His time here is probably limited, but this stems from the top-down. – Tanner James

Derrick D. Jones

What can be done to fix the offense? 

It is a top-down issue and I assume that it is bordering on "tear down" territory, especially with loads of impending free agents in 2024. They need receivers who can effectively beat man coverage, a true alpha. They need to figure out the offensive line too, as it is one of the worst in the league right now. – Tanner James

Jon Houser

Does this trade make sense: Mac Jones and a draft pick for Kirk Cousins?

Who is Kirk Cousins throwing to? He would be transitioning from one of the better receiver rooms in the NFL to one of the worst. Kirk Cousins is often unfairly criticized, but he hasn't won any significant football games despite having access to ample offensive resources. Perhaps he'd have a better defense with this move, but is trading assets for a 35-year-old QB with a mediocre roster the right decision? – Tanner James

Aaron Mannie

Will J.C. Jackson return to All Pro or possible Pro Bowl form, or just be a shell of his former self? 

I don't expect that. He was at his best with a Hall of Fame-level cornerback alongside him. Belichick knows how to maximize his skillset and will likely get the most out of him. I wouldn't shocked if he out performs initial expectations though. – Tanner James

Bernard Stillwagon

When is O'Brien going to get it together? 

I think O'Brien has made some 'interesting' calls during the season, but I don't think it's fair to put the blame on him. The main question is when is the offense going to get it together, and for that one, I don't have an answer. 

Cousin Chris 

Is Bailey Zappe taking first team reps? 

No. Right now it is Mac Jones who is the primary quarterback for the Patriots, with Zappe as his backup and Will Grier as the emergency third. 

Chris 

Do you think Belichick is feeling the hot seat or trying to play it cool? Or that he genuinely believes he's not at risk of losing his job? 

I have no insight to what Bill Belichick is thinking. If I had to make an assumption, I would lean the latter. – Tanner James

Why do you think players, wide receivers especially, choose to go somewhere else even though New England has the cap space available.

I am sure New England isn't a prime destination for players given the circumstances. That being said, I think the answer to your question is that there is a lack of effort to pursue a premier receiver. If the Patriots were willing to pay market prices, they'd be able to land someone. It is a talent evaluation and effort issue. 

Do you think Mac Jones struggles are due to the constant change in offensive coordinators he's had to play with? 

It is numerous factors that have welded together to form the current offensive disaster, but yeah, three offensive coordinators in 33 games is not helping. – Tanner James

Thoughts on how to improve the O-Line? Do you also think or see a regression with players like Cole Strange? 

I think they have the personnel to be better than what they have put on the field, which is arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL. That being said, they need another tackle. Onwenu and Strange have both struggled too. Strange might be a bust. – Tanner James

Who is a coaching candidate that would be a good fit if Bill Belichick was hypothetically fired? (Lydon) | Who would be your ideal GM to take over for Belichick forced him to step down? (Chris)

At this point I think Jerod Mayo is the top candidate to replace Belichick if he were to be let go. Depending on how things go in Las Vegas, Josh McDaniels could also come into the conversation. 

Here is the first look at J.C. Jackson in a Patriots uniform

Already out on the field.